Under-Display Camera Lens Structures and Glass Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounting arrangements in electronic devices, such as cellular telephones and portable computers, are inadequate when space is limited, as they often require a cover glass layer or bezel, which may not be desirable or feasible in all device configurations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves mounting a camera under a camera window formed by creating openings in the display layers, such as the polarizer, color filter, and thin-film transistor layers, with lens structures positioned both above and below these layers, and using a glass insert with an opening as a window, along with an opaque masking layer to hide internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cover glass layer or bezel is used to mount the camera, then the camera can be effectively mounted and hidden, but the device size increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera mounting function with the existing display layers by creating openings in the polarizer, color filter, and thin-film transistor layers. This eliminates the need for separate cover glass or bezel structures, as the display layers themselves serve as the mounting substrate for the camera, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining effective camera integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the camera mounting function from traditional structural components (cover glass, bezel) and integrates it directly into the display layers. By forming openings in the display layers and mounting the camera directly to these layers, the design removes unnecessary intermediate structures, achieving space savings while preserving camera functionality
2Volume of moving object
If openings are formed in display layers to create camera window, then device size is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming openings in the display layers during the display manufacturing process itself, before the camera is mounted. The openings are created in the polarizer, color filter, and thin-film transistor layers as part of the display assembly process, and the camera is then mounted to these pre-prepared openings, simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow despite the added structural complexity
3Reliability
If lens structures are positioned both above and below display layers, then image capture capability is enhanced, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested doll structure where lens elements are positioned both above and below the display layers in a nested arrangement. The display layers are interposed between certain lens elements, creating a nested configuration that allows light to pass through the display layers while being focused by the lens structures on both sides, thereby enhancing image capture capability while managing alignment requirements through the structured nesting
4Shape
If opaque masking layer is added to hide internal components, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the opaque masking layer serve multiple functions: it hides internal components from view to improve aesthetic appearance, and simultaneously serves as a structural element in the display assembly. The masking layer is integrated into the stack of display layers, allowing it to perform both cosmetic and structural roles, thereby improving appearance without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A camera may be mounted under a display in an electronic device. The display may include a polarizer layer, a color filter layer, and a thin-film-transistor layer. A layer of material such as a glass insert may be attached to an edge of the display. Openings may be formed in the layers of the display and the insert to accommodate the camera. A sleeve structure may be mounted within an opening. The camera may include lens structures formed from a stack of lens elements. One or more layers of the display may be interposed within the lens structures. The glass insert may be mounted within a notch in the color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer or along a straight edge of the color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer. The edge of the color filter layer may be recessed with respect to form a mounting shelf for the insert.